Love so strong.

The Untold Love Story

The story began six years ago when we first met a husband and wife (Mr. Andargay Negatu and Mrs. Bezunesh Tefera), obviously, very much in love, way into their old age. She was in her early 70's and he was in his early 80's, when I sat in their humble, one room home while she was making a small loaf of bread , known as kitta, for lunch. They were unique in the way they expressed their love for each other; she said that she worries about him, and would prefer that she go out to find some type of day-labor work to support them. “He is sickly”, is what she said, while looking at him with a shy smile. He insisted that he loves her more, and that he worries about her carrying too much of a burden in caring for him. He was cutting sugar cane into small pieces so he could sell it to the neighborhood kids.

I will remember the sigh of relief I witnessed when they learned the reason for our visit. She folded together her hand tightly to her chest, tears filling up her weak eyes. When I told them of our desire and intent to support them monthly, she replied, "You will help us?" He mumbled in a soft voice "Oh thank God! She does not have to struggle anymore". She took my hand, squeezing it while saying, “thank you”, over and over again. She so desired to believe that the hard days were over and that they would be safe. I left that day assuring her that we would do the best that we could do, to make things better for her and her husband; a promise I vowed to keep.

Well, it has been six years since that first encounter with this loving family. As anticipated, their lives changed for the better, and each time I visited them, they were ever so grateful for all the support and care they were receiving. It was evident that their love grew stronger. It is culturally unusual for couples of their age to publicly display affection. I remember wondering, what must they have been like in their younger age? Love is the greatest wealth to have; when all fails, they are left with the love they have for each other. Lesson learned: True love is stronger than any “have not’s”. Scripture says "Many waters cannot quench love; neither can the floods drown it..." Song of Solomon 8:7.

I always remember each family and each elder by their individual stories and the particular things that resonated with me. They all have something profound to say, a tale to be told. It seems to be something to hold onto when their challenges become insurmountable. With this couple, their legacy is a story of true love that was tested through life's challenges. As much as I want to end this story as a tale of powerful love, I must tell the ending, but without taking anything away from that love being the last period; the last exclamation point of their story.

In January, 2012, Mrs. Negatu passed away, unexpectedly, due to an illness. She was 72 years old. Mr. Negatu’s grief was plainly exposed for all to see. I was hoping that he had, somehow, found comfort, when I viewed his recent video interview. He looked well and at peace. On December 6th, 2014, Mr. Andargay Negatu, 82, had left his home to go to church, and on his way back home, he was killed in a car accident. The life of the remaining character of this beautiful love story, ended on a hospital bed before any surgery could be done.

Before they passed, this couple had imparted the true meaning of love, to me and to others around them. Nevertheless, the pain of the loss is real for many. Though what we had to offer was only the basics, they were protected from the dangers of harsh work, hunger and unbecoming conditions. Unfortunately, we couldn't save them from the danger that was lurking in the daily bustle of life. I can only imagine, and I take comfort in considering the joy awaiting him when he sees his beloved once again, except this time, for eternity!

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August 23rd, 2015 at 10:55 PM

Kris Clark says:

I see in this story, a love, not only between two people, but love shown by strangers, the BLR staff, that displays respect, honor and caring. BLR must continue for the sake of the richness of heritage in these persons saved from despair.